You might have heard that as an inked person you won’t be allowed in one. This is actually more often the case than not.
While it is not illegal to enter a hot spring with tattoos, onsens sometimes enforce this rule. Even so, it is usually a case-by-case basis. If it is a big tattoo, you may be turned away.
If your tattoo is small, you might still be allowed in. If you are planning a Japanese trip as someone with tattoos, then you will want to read this first.
Here we discuss whether you are allowed in an onsen with tattoos. Also how people hide their tattoos ready for an onsen experience.
Japan has a sketchy history with tattoos. One of the earliest noted recordings of a tattoo was in the 7th Century.
The emperor used a tattoo to punish the rebel Hamako, Muraji of Azumi, with pain and a physical scar. This was instead of choosing death as the punishment.
It also marked this rebel as being a criminal too.
Going forward to the 17th century, tattoos were now known as a form of punishment. In fact, it was only ever used on the highest form of criminality.
The tattoos themselves resembled the crime. If you had tattoos, you were then rejected by loved ones. Also by society.
By the latter end of the 17th century, criminals began to embellish their ink with designs. Alas, this then stopped tattoos being a form of punishment.
Tattoos soon became a sign of illegal organized crime throughout the 18th century and beyond. Because of this, tattoos became illegal.
Due to this illegality, the yakuza (the Japanese mafia) embraced ink even more so. They had – and still have – tattoos as a way to show their resistance against the law.
Does Japan’s History Affect Tattoos Today?
Today, tattoos aren’t illegal in Japan. However, in some areas they are still strongly stigmatized against. This is due to the history within Japan of having tattoos.
However, more and more Japanese people are getting tattoos for fashion purposes. Also, thousands upon thousands of tattooed foreigners are visiting Japan.
One place that tattoos are often forbidden is anywhere that offers public bathing. This includes an onsen. However, many ryokans (inns) are rejecting them too.
Rejecting a tattooed person at an onsen or ryokan isn’t a legal requirement. However, a business like this can enforce it as a rule.
It may be obvious you are not involved in illegal crime. However, an onsen may think you are still rebelling. They may feel your tattoos will offend other visitors too.
Can You Visit An Onsen With Tattoos?
You can try to visit an onsen with tattoos. Some will allow you to enjoy the experience, no problem. Others may say you are not welcome.
Another option is to pay extra for a private bath. Here you are more likely to be allowed in. This is because nobody will see you. This is also great for those who are shy – as you will likely be naked!
You will find that if you have a small tattoo, you might be welcome. It is the large tattoos that visitors should be concerned about.
Are There Onsens In Japan That Are Tattoo-Friendly?
There are many onsens scattered across Japan that are tattoo-friendly (see also ‘10 Awesome Tattoo-Friendly Onsen In Japan For Tourists‘). In fact, we have written a list of 10 of the most awesome tattoo-friendly onsens to visit.
Even so, always check beforehand. This is because no onsen is certain to be tattoo-friendly. They may reject one person, and allow another in.
Again, it is sometimes down to the size of the tattoo, and how many there are. You may also be able to enjoy a private onsen alone.
If you are visiting Japan with friends, an onsen is a great experience together. If one or more of you are tattooed, you will want to ask beforehand if it is okay to use.
The Hoshino Resorts offers visitors who have small tattoos the option to wear the resort’s official stickers to cover them up. They have been supplying stickers to cover small tattoos since 2015.
However, this is not good for those with large tattoos or people who are covered in ink.
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan allows tattooed people in every onsen. It also has a library and you can rent a bike. It takes around three hours from Tokyo to get there by bullet train.
Takaragawa Onsen offers mixed-gendered open air baths. It has a beer vending machine, and the view looking over the river is magnificent.
Lastly, if you find yourself in Asakusa in Tokyo, you will enjoy the Jakotsu-yu onsen hidden away on a side street. It has a huge Mount Fuji mural made out of tiles. It is also very popular and allows tattoos.
What Are Some Useful Phrases To Use At An Onsen As A Tattooed Person?
You can ring an onsen or ryokan before heading there. This way you can avoid any humiliation of being turned away. Here are some useful phrases to use:
I am a foreigner with a tattoo. Is it okay? Tatuu no haitta gaikokujin desuga, onsen ni hairemasu ka?
Are tattoos okay? Tatuu was daijobu desu ka?
I have a large tattoo. Is it okay? Ookii tatuu ga arimasu. Daijobu desu ka?
How Can You Visit An Onsen With Tattoos?
It is not uncommon for those with tattoos to find ways to hide their ink when visiting an onsen.
Some places accept small tattoos. Especially when they are not too visible. If you have a large tattoo, you might not be so lucky.
Once in the water – and before – you can obscure your tattoo. Wear the towel before entering the water. If your tattoo is on your back, lean against a wall or rocks.
You can also use bandages to cover a tattoo. However, if you are uncertain, always ask first. You never know, you might be surprised. Some onsens are coming around to the idea of tattoos.
This is good news for tourists. Not so much for the locals however. Tattooed Japanese people are still being rejected at onsens.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to experience, many people have said they have been allowed into an onsen with ink.
More often than not, tourists have said it is down to their attitude. If you are friendly, they are more likely to let you in.
However, sometimes to be safe it is better to hide ink. Or you can ask in advance whether they allow tattoos.
There are many places that allow tattooed people to use their onsen. Don’t feel upset if you are rejected though. Unfortunately Japan has a long way to go to change the minds of its residents.
Many people still see tattoos as being related to organized crime. Also those with a bad attitude.
If you do get a chance to enjoy the hot springs, then make the most of the experience.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
